Our lab is focused on the neural circuits and mechanisms important for learning to effectively cope with fear. Pavlovian fear conditioning, fear extinction and instrumental avoidance conditioning are the major animal models studied in our lab.

Our research examines the cognitive neuroscience of emotion, learning and memory. Our primary focus has been to understand how human learning and memory are changed by emotion.

Our lab’s research is aimed at the intersection of social and cognitive psychology. Specifically, we investigate what and how motivations constrain visual perception, social judgment, and decision-making.

The Emotional Brain Institute (EBI) is a joint initiative between New York University and New York State. The goals of EBI are to understand emotions and their impact on mind and behavior, to use emotion to bridge between scientific and other academic disciplines, and to enhance public understanding of emotions and the brain (sIee EBI Mission). EBI members are located at the Washington Square Campus of NYU, the NYU/Langone Medical Center, and the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) (see EBI Sites).